Oka, the Buddha of Wish-Granting Established in 663 AD. Ryūgai Temple, or commonly known as Oka, literally means the "Dragon Lid" temple. The primary Buddha of worship is the Nyoirin Kannon Bosatsu or the Buddha of Wish-Granting and is the largest clay Buddhist Statue in Japan which was made in the 8th century. The Oka temple is also known as Japan s first temple used to drive away Yaku or unluckiness. Prayers from pure heart to Buddha will bring prosperity and happiness. Highlights Address 806 Oka Asuka-mura Takaichi-gun Nara Map Access From Kintetsu Kashihara-jingumae Station take a bus to the "Okadera-mae" bus stop. Web Site (Japanese) http://www.okadera3307.com/ Nyoirin Kannon / Hon-do Hall Nio Gate Admission Fee Adults Children 400 No charge Opening Hours 8:00-17:00(Mar-Nov) 8:00-16:30(Dec-Feb) Three-storied Pagoda Okuno-in The legend of Dragon Lid
Nyoirin Kannon Bosatsu, or the Buddha of Wish-Granting (Sk: Cintamanicakra) The Buddha of Wish-Granting is the largest clay Buddhist statue in Japan and known as one of the three Great Buddha Statues. The statue was once brightly painted, but after 1200 years, those paints have worn away, however you can still see faint colors that remain. It was also said that a monk named Kūkai, (posthumously Kōbō Daishi) made the statue by mixed clay brought from China, India and Japan. -Important Cultural Property, Date:8 th century, Clay, height: 4.6m More infomation about the Three Great Buddha Statues: [METAL] The Birushana Buddha of Todaiji Temple (Nara Great Buddha) [WOOD] The Eleven-Faced Kannon Bosatsu of Hase temple [CLAY] The Nyoirin Kannon Bosatsu of Oka Temple Hon-do, or Main Hall The largest building of Oka Temple is Hon-do and houses the Buddha of Wish-Granting which is about 4.6m high. Important ceremonies are held in this building. Built in the late 20 th century.
Niō-mon or Nio Gate Built in 1612. The gate has quite a lot of rare ornaments including a pair of lions, a dragon and tiger placed under the roof. -Important Cultural Property Seasonal Flowers April: Rhododendron April: Peony October: Red Spider lily November: Maple
Three-storied Pagoda The original three-storied pagoda collapsed due to a strong typhoon in 1472 and the construction of the new three-storied pagoda was started in 1984 and completed in 1986. It was commemorated on the 1150th anniversary of Saint Kōbō Daishi's death, who was a founder of the Shingon sect of Japanese Buddhism and passed away in 835 AD. The pagoda is decorated with Koto (musical instrument) which are rare ornaments and used to offer beautiful sounds to Buddhas. Shōrō-do, or the Bell Tower The Bell has seven small holes. These holes were made by Japanese soldiers during the World War II to examine the metal grade for armor. The bell was almost confiscated by the Japanese army. Fortunately the bell was saved and we appreciate the dedication of the local people who protected the bell during the war. We also thank the divine power of Buddha. We cherish the bell as a symbol of peace and good fortune. The sound of the bell is very rich and makes your wishes come true. Built in the early 19 th century.
Okuno-In, or the Inner Sanctuary The stone steps which lead to the Inner Sanctuary are surrounded with seasonal flowers and many Buddhist monuments such as a memorial tower for the founder, a pure spring water well for Saint Kōbō Daishi and stone Buddhist statues. At the end of the sanctuary there is a hand-made cave which enshrines the Buddha of the Future. Breathtakingly Beautiful Autumn Colors Oka temple brightened with the colors of the autumn leaves which seem to completely surround its precincts.
The legend of the Dragon Lid Pond In the legend there was an evil dragon harming people in this area. A priest with great Dharmic power conquered and confined the dragon within a pond and placed a large stone as a lid to keep the dragon from running away. The Dragon Lid pond of Oka temple still has the stone lid and when the stone shakes it starts to rain. The faith of Yaku (unluckiness) purification of Oka temple originated from the founder of this temple which drove away the evil dragon. The Faith of Dragon The dragon, a mythological animal which is worshiped as a sacred Kami spirit, controls the weather and water. Oka temple or the Dragon Lid temple has been deeply connected with dragons. It is said that a dragon has a wish-granting jewel ball. Dragon Talismans Dragon Wish-Granting Balls